Therapeutic effect of atorvastatin on interleukin-13-induced lung pathology

Abstract

Purpose: Asthma is a common chronic lung disease, in which interleukin (IL)-13 is implicated as a central regulator of IgE synthesis, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and fibrosis. This study was designed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin, a widely used lipid-lowering agent, on the IL-13-induced lung pathology through the modulation of macro phages. Methods: Atorvastatin (40 mg/kg) was given to transgenic mice overexpressing IL-13 (IL-13 TG mice) and their wild type littermates by oral gavage for 2 weeks. AHR, numbers of inflammatory cells in the airway, and cytokine levels in IL-13 TG mice were measured. Using the alveolar macrophage cell line CRL-2456, the direct effect of atorvastatin on macrophages activated by recombinant IL-13 was assessed. Results: Significant reduction in total leukocytes and alleviation of AHR were observed with administration of atorvastatin in IL-13 TG mice compared to those without atorvastatin treatment (P<0.05). Atorvastatin administration resulted in upregulation of IL-10 in the lungs of IL-13 TG mice (P<0.05). In addition, mRNA expression of connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, and type III col lagen as well as chord length enhanced by IL-13 overexpression were reduced by atorvastatin administration (P<0.05). M2 macro phage markers, such as Ym-1 and CD206, were decreased, while M1 macrophage marker, inducible nitric oxide synthase, was increased upon atorvastatin treatment (P<0.05). Administration of atorvastatin resulted in improved removal of apoptotic cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study reveal a potential of atorvastatin as an effective antiasthmatic agent by reducing IL-13-induced lung inflammation via the modulation of macrophage polarization. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2021;9:76-83)